Convertible backpack and cot apparatus

ABSTRACT

Convertible backpack and cot apparatus including a breakdown, rectangularly shaped, tubular cot frame including first and second pairs of frame elbow members forming the corners thereof and first and second pairs of tee devices connectable with the ends of the side runs of such elbow members. Side members connect on their opposite ends with the tee devices and crossmembers connect on their opposite ends with the confronting end runs of the elbow members. First and second U-shaped leg means are provided for connection on their opposite ends with the respective first and second pairs of tee devices and include respective pairs of leg elbow members which have their horizontal runs connected together by horizontal members. Thus, the cot frame may be assembled with a cot canvas stretched thereon and when camp is broken the cot frame may be knocked down and one pair of elbow members connected together on their respective one ends to form one end of a pack frame and the first pair of the devices connected to the opposite end of such one pair of elbow members, the horizontal members connected on their respective one ends with such first tee devices and the second pair of tee devices connected with the opposite ends of the horizontal members. A second pair of elbows may then be connected together on their respective one ends and connected on their respective opposite ends with the second pair of tee devices to form a backpack frame that is narrower in width than the cot frame.

United States Patent [72] inventor John D. Silverthorne 3330 Man, Long Beach, Calil. 90808 [2]] Appl. No. 44,307 [22] Filed June 8, 1970 [45] Patented Nov. 16, 1971 [54] CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK AND COT APPARATUS 5 Claims, [5 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 224/25 A, 224/9 11,5/114 [51] Int. Cl A45! 3/00 [50] Field of Search 224/8, 9, 25 A; 511 I4, 1 I2 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,964,222 12/1960 Rainwater 224/9 1,080,577 12/1913 Pascale et al. 5/1 14 Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-John Mannix Attorney-Fulwider, Patton, Rieber, Lee & Utecht ABSTRACT: Convertible backpack and cot apparatus including a breakdown, rectangularly shaped, tubular cot frame including first and second pairs of frame elbow members forming the corners thereof and first and second pairs of tee devices connectable with the ends of the side runs of such elbow members. Side members connect on their opposite ends with the tee devices and crossmembers connect on their opposite ends with the confronting end runs of the elbow members. First and second U-shaped leg means are provided for connection on their opposite ends with the respective first and second pairs of tee devices and include respective pairs of leg elbow members which have their horizontal runs connected together by horizontal members. Thus, the cot frame may be assembled with a cot canvas stretched thereon and when camp is broken the cot frame may be knocked down and one pair of elbow members connected together on their respective one ends to form one end of a pack frame and the first pair of the devices connected to the opposite end of such one pair of elbow members, the horizontal members connected on their respective one ends with such first tee devices and the second pair of tee devices connected with the opposite ends of the horizontal members. A second pair of elbows may then be connected together on their respective one ends and conneeted on their respective opposite ends with the second pair of tee devices to form a backpack frame that is narrower in a width than the cot frame.

PAIENTEUuov 161911 3,620,428

SHEET 1 BF 2 V INVENTOR. JbHN J2 J/LVE'RTHOENE Ma.

PATENTEUuuv 16 Ian 3, 620,428

sum 2 or 2 FIG.||

FIG.|4

w j FIG.I5

INVENTOR. TO/4N D. Savenmamv: Ma

ATTQIQNEYJ CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK AND COT APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cot frame which is easily knocked down and converted to a backpack frame.

2. Description ofthe Prior Art Knockdown cot frames have been proposed which include unitary, generally U-shaped, leg members which form the op posite ends of the cot and are then connectable together to form a backpack frame. A convertible backpack and cot apparatus of this type is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,964,222. Convertible backpack and cot apparatuses of this type suffer the shortcoming of providing a cot frame and backpack frame which are of identical width thereby requiring either that the cot frame be excessively narrow thereby forming an uncomfortable cot or providing a backpack which is excessively wide and, therefore, unwieldy and difficult to carry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of present invention is characterized by a knockdown cot frame formed from tubular tee fittings, elbow fittings and linear tubes which are disengageably connected together to form a rectangular frame having a cot canvas stretched thereon. The cot frame may be knocked down and reassembled to form a backpack frame which is narrower in width than the cot frame for convenient support from a hikers back.

An object of the present invention is to provide a convertible backpack and cot apparatus of the type described which includes a knockdown cot frame which may be knocked down and reassembled to form a backpack frame narrower in width than the cot frame.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a convertible backpack and out apparatus of the type described which is relatively light and convenient to carry.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a convertible backpack and cot apparatus of the type described which includes one or more horizontal shelf elements for supporting knapsacks and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination backpack and cot apparatus of the type described which includes means for coupling the backpack frame securely together to avoid accidental disassembly thereof.

These and other objects and the advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of a backpack frame formed from the convertible backpack and out apparatus of present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the backpack frame shown in FIG. I;

FIGS. 3-10 are detail views, in enlarged scale, of tubular components and fittings included in the backpack frame shown in FIG. 1',

FIG. II is a horizontal sectional view, in enlarged scale, taken along the lines I 1- of FIG. 1;

FIG. I2 is a vertical sectional view, in enlarged scale, taken along the lines "-12 of FIG. 1;

FIG. I3 is a vertical sectional view, in enlarged scale, taken along the lines 13-13 ofFIG. I;

FIG. I4 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a cot formed from the convertible backpack and cot apparatus of present invention; and

FIG. I is a vertical sectional view taken along the lines I5-I5 ofFIG. I4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of present invention includes a cot frame, generally designated 3] (FIG. 14), which has its corners formed by two pairs of frame elbow members 35, 37, 39 and 41. The side runs of such elbow members are connected with side tubes 45, 47, 49 and 5| by means of respective tees, generally designated '55, 57, 59 and M. U- shaped support legs, generally designated 65 and 67, are con nected on their opposite ends with the respective pairs of tees 55, 57, 59 and 61. The legs 65 and 67 each include a respective pair of leg elbows 7|, 73, 77 and 79 which are connected together on their bottom lengths by respective horizontal coupling tubes 81 and 83. The cot frame 3| may be knocked down and reassembled to form a backpack frame, generally designated 95, shown in FIG. I. The backpack frame has its upper portion formed by the leg elbow members 71 and 73 and its side portions formed by the tubes 8| and 83 which are connected with such elbows by means of a pair of tee devices including the male tees 55 and 57. The tees 59 and 6| are connected with the bottom ends of the tubes BI and 83 and have the elbows 35 and 37 connected on their one ends therewith. Such elbows are connected together on their opposite ends to thereby form a backpack frame which is narrower in width than the cot frame 11 and, consequently, convenient for being supported on a hikers back.

The frame 31 is of generally aluminum construction employing tubing which slip fits together. The cot frame elbow 35 is formed on one end with a female opening for telescopical receipt over one branch of the male tee 55 and is formed on its opposite end with a swaged down nipple [01 (FIG. 7) for receipt in the female extremity of an end tube I03 which is, itself, swaged down on its opposite end to form a reduced-indiameter male nipple 105. The nipple I05 is received in the adjacent female extremity of the female elbow 37 and thc opposite end of such elbow is also formed with a female extremity for receipt over one branch of the male tee 57. The side tubes 45, 47, 49 and SI are similarly constructed and are formed on one end with a female opening and on their opposite end with swaged down nipples 109 (FIG. 4).

An end tube I10 (FIG. 3) is formed with female extremities at both ends for connection with the male nipples of the el bows 39 and 4].

The tees 59 and 61 are identical combination tees and are formed with a female branch 11] (FIG. I0) and two perpendicularly extending male branches 113 and I IS. A second pair of combination tees HI and I23, which are identical to thc tees 59 and 6!, connect the adjacent ends of the side tubes 45 and 49 and 47 and 51 together and have leg elbow members 127 and 129 connected on their respective one ends therewith. A horizontal leg coupling tube I31, similar to the leg coupling tube 8], is provided for connecting the adjacent ends of the elbows I27 and I29 together.

A cot canvas, generally designated I35, is formed on its opposite peripheries with looped back portions which define passages I39 extending along the side and ends thereof for receipt of the tubular members of the frame 31. The passage I39 at one end of the canvas is formed by a flap which is looped back on itself and secured around the end tube III] by means of a plurality of heavy-duty snaps I40. The canvas is formed on its four corners with cutouts MI and also includes a pair of oppositely disposed intermediate cutout portions I43 arranged in pool table fashion.

Referring to FIG. I, the back pack frame 95 is formed, generally, as set forth hereinabove and, further, includes a pair of the leg elbow members 77 and 79 connected on their respective female ends with respective branches of the male tees 55 and 57 and connected together on their opposite ends to form a horizontally disposed shelf. The combination tees I21 and 129 are interposed between the respective male tees 55 and 57 and the coupling tubes 81 and 83. The perpendicu- Iar branch of the combination tees I21 and I29 are then connected with the opposite ends of the female tube I I0.

The leg elbow members 127 and I29 have their one extremities telescoped over the male branch of the respective combination tees 59 and 6] and are disposed with their opposite extremities projecting rearwardly to form a second horizontal shelf.

A rump strap is formed on its opposite ends with respective loops I53 and I55 which telescope over the respective coupling tubes 8] and 83.

Referring to FIGS. I and 2, shoulder straps I61 and [63 are formed on their upper extremities with respective closed loops I65 and 167 which are inserted over the horizontal tube 110 and are formed on their opposite ends with reinforced eyelets for receipt of mounting bolts I71 and 173. The tubes 45 and 57 extend longitudinally along the coupling tubes 81 and 83 and have bores I74 (FIG. ll) formed in their opposite extremities disposed in alignment with similar bores 176 in the elbows I27, 7!, I29 and 73 for receipt of the mounting bolts I71 and I73 and mounting bolts I77 and 179.

In operation, the backpack 95 may be assembled as shown in FIG. I with the rump strap 151 and shoulder straps I61 and 163 in place. The horizontal shelf formed by the rearwardly projecting elbows 77 and 79 may be utilized to support a bed roll 18] thereon and for supporting the upper end of a knapsack I83 therefrom. The lower extremity of the knapsack 181 may be coupled with the cot frame elbows 35 and 37 and also with the leg elbows I27 and 129. Thus, the backpack formed is relatively narrow for comfortably nestling on the hiker's back thereby enabling the hiker to maintain his balance and follow a path between relatively close-spaced obstacles without concern for catching either side of the backpack thereon. Further, the coupling together of the entire frame by means of the rump strap I51 and elongated cot side tubes 45 and 47 provides a relatively rigid backpack frame that will not disassemble accidentally.

The remaining components of the cot frame 31 may then be stored in the knapsack I83 for convenient carrying. When the campsite is reached, the bed roll I81 and knapsack I83 may be removed from the backpack rack 95. The mounting bolts 17], I73, I77 and I79 are then removed and the backpack rack entirely disassembled. The spare components are then removed from the knapsack I83 and the cot frame components reassembled in the form shown in FIG. 14, it being realized that the side and end components of the cot frame 31 must be threaded through the tube passages I39 of the cot canvas 135 and that as a final step in assembly the flap surrounding the tube 110 will be snapped securely by means of the snaps 140.

Consequently, the hiker can assemble the cot frame 3| in about the same length of time it would take to inflate an air mattress for receiving the bed roll 18L The bed roll 18] may be placed on the cot canvas I35 and a relatively comfortable dry bed will be provided for the hiker.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be apparent that the convertible backpack and cot apparatus of present invention provides a cot frame which is not significantly heavier than the combined weight of a conventional backpack frame and an air mattress. Further, the cot frame can be converted into a backpack frame which is substantially narrower than the cot frame for being conveniently carried on the hiker back.

Various modifications and changes may be made with regard to the foregoing detailed description without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. Convertible backpack and col apparatus comprising:

a breakdown rectangularly shaped tubular cot frame of predetermined width and including first and second pairs of frame elbow members forming the corners of said frame, first and second pairs of tee devices connectable with the side runs of said elbows, side member means connectable on their opposite ends with said tee devices;

and first and second U-shaped leg means including respective pairs of leg elbow members, first and second coupling members connectable on their respective opposite ends with the first and second pairs of leg elbow members, said leg means being connectable on their respective opposite ends with the respective first and second pairs of tee devices whereby said cot frame may be assembled for receipt of a cot sheet and said leg means secured thereto to support said frame elevated from the ground and when camp is broken said cot frame and leg means may be disassembled and pair of elbow members connected together on their respective one ends to form one end of a backpack frame, said first pair of tee devices connected to the opposite ends of said one pair of elbow members. said leg coupling members connected on their respective one ends with said first tee devices to form the sides of said backpack frame, said second pair of tee devices connected with the opposite ends of said coupling members, a pair of said frame elbows connected together on their respective one ends and connected on their respective opposite ends with said second pair of tee devices, and the backpack frame secured together for conveniently being carried on the back of a hiker. 2. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus as set forth in claim I wherein:

said side member means includes two pairs of side members on each side of said frame, a third pair of tee devices for connecting the adjacent ends of each said pair of side members together; and said apparatus includes third leg means including first and second elbow members connected on their respective one ends to said third pair of tee devices and a third leg coupling member connectable on its opposite extremities to the adjacent extremities of said elbow members. 3. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus as set forth in claim I wherein:

said first pair of said tee devices includes a pair of all male tees and said second pair of tee devices includes a pair of tees having two male branches and a female branch. 4. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus as set forth in claim 1 that includes:

a cot sheet formed on its peripheries with passages for receipt of said cot frame. 5. Convertible backpack and out apparatus as set forth in claim I wherein:

said elbow members of said second leg means are formed on their respective one extremities for connection with said second pair of tee devices to form rearwardly projecting prongs at the bottom of said backpack frame. 

1. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus comprising: a breakdown rectangularly shaped tubular cot frame of predetermined width and including first and second pairs of frame elbow members forming the corners of said frame, first and second pairs of tee devices connectable with the side runs of said elbows, side member means connectable on their opposite ends with said tee devices; and first and second U-shaped leg means including respective pairs of leg elbow members, first and second coupling members connectable on their respective opposite ends with the first and second pairs of leg elbow members, said leg means being connectable on their respective opposite ends with the respective first and second pairs of tee devices whereby said cot frame may be assembled for receipt of a cot sheet and said leg means secured thereto to support said frame elevated from the ground and when camp is broken said cot frame and leg means may be disassembled and pair of elbow members connected together on their respective one ends to form one end of a backpack frame, said first pair of tee devices connected to the opposite ends of said one pair of elbow members, said leg coupling members connected on their respective one ends with said first tee devices to form the sides of said backpack frame, said second pair of tee devices connected with the opposite ends of said coupling members, a pair of said frame elbows connected together on their respective one ends and connected on their respective opposite ends with said second pair of tee devices, and the backpack frame secured together for conveniently being carried on the back of a hiker.
 2. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said side member means includes two pairs of side members on each side of said frame, a third pair of tee devices for connecting the adjacent ends of each said pair of side members together; and said apparatus includes third leg means including first and second elbow members connected on their respective one ends to said third pair of tee devices and a third leg coupling member connectable on its opposite extremities to the adjacent extremities of said elbow members.
 2. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said side member means includes two pairs of side members on each side of said frame, a third pair of tee devices for connecting the adjacent ends of each said pair of side members together; and said apparatus includes third leg means including first and second elbow members connected on their respective one ends to said third pair of tee devices and a third leg coupling member connectable on its opposite extremities to the adjacent extremities of said elbow members.
 3. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said first pair of said tee devices includes a pair of all male tees and said second pair of tee devices includes a pair of tees having two male branches and a female branch.
 4. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus as set forth in claim 1 that includes: a cot sheet formed on its peripheries with passages for receipt of said cot frame.
 5. Convertible backpack and cot apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said elbow members of said second leg means are formed on their respective one extremities for connection with said second pair of tee devices to form rearwardly projecting prongs at the bottom of said backpack frame. 